K-5 STUDENT COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE and INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

Approved: 4-9-03Revised: 4-14-10, 6-13-12, 3-8-17

BOARD POLICYThe District shall encourage staff and students to use the computer and the Internet as an educational tool. The District has access to the Internet that is governed and supported by the Utah Education Network. Use of the electronic information resources in the District shall be used to improve and support the educational process by providing access to global information and improving communication between students, employees, parents, and community members. This policy shall be reviewed annually by the School Community Council of each school. Recommendation for any changes or additions will be reviewed for approval by the School Board.

INTERNET USESThe use of the electronic information resources is intended for educational purposes only and will be closely supervised by school personnel. School personnel shall provide annual Internet Safety Training to students. Email accounts shall not be given to elementary students. The Internet is filtered to block pornography, hate sites, violence, profanity, and chat rooms. Students who abuse acceptable computer use, which includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted or threatening or obscene material, pornography, gambling, inappropriate language, etc., shall be subject to disciplinary action. With this learning tool, students must understand that it is a privilege to have computer access and they must always practice proper and ethical use. No warranties are implied as to loss of data, delays of service, and interruptions or accuracy of information received on the Internet.

Vandalism, harassment, and cyber bullying are prohibited.

A. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, modify, or destroy data, hardware, software or networks. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses.

B. Harassment is defined as the persistent annoyance of another user, or the interference of another user’s work. This includes, but is not limited to, the sending of unwanted email, cyber-bullying, posting of harmful information or pictures on websites, etc

C. Cyber bullying is defined as using the Internet, a cell phone, or another device to send or post text video, or an image with the intent of knowledge, or with reckless disregard, that the text, video, or image will hurt, embarrass, or threaten an individual, regardless of whether the individual directed, consented to, or acquiesced the conduct, or voluntarily accessed the electronic communication.

The Acceptable Use Agreement must be signed by the K-5 student and parent when a student initially enrolls in a District’s elementary school. In addition to this initial enrollment, the first time a class enters the computer lab at the beginning of each year, acceptable use training will occur that involves procedures, ethics and security. Incoming students shall receive the same training before receiving access to the Internet. Staff training shall also be consistent with these guidelines and shall also be given on Policy ECD “Mobile Storage Devices” as needed.

ACCEPTABLE USES

To qualify for electronic information resource services, students must be willing to abide by the rules of acceptable use. Please work with us in helping your elementary school age child understand and abide by these simple but important rules of appropriate use.

Be Polite and Show Respect:

When using the computer to write information, always use appropriate school language and behavior.

Show respect for others, self and for property.

IPads shall only be used with the protective case on the device.

Be Honest and Obey the Rules:

When using the computer resources follow all posted rules and instructions given by your teacher.

Do not attempt any activity that would violate any District or State Law.

Do not attempt to bypass State, District, or school security, or attempt to access information other than your own.

Only go to sites that have been approved by your instructor. Aimlessly surfing is not allowed.

Private browsing modes shall not be used on District devices.

Keep Personal things Private:

Do not share your password with anyone.

MONITORING

The District reserves the right to monitor and review any material on any computer at anytime in order for the District to determine any inappropriate use of network services. All Internet use will be closely monitored. Any violation of these rules may result in losing computer and Internet privileges. The extent of privileges lost is determined by the violation. Internet use will be allowed only with instructor guidance and monitoring.

SECURITY

South Sanpete School District will implement security procedures on Internet access to protect against unacceptable use.

ENCOUNTER OF CONTROVERSIAL MATERIAL

Internet users may encounter material that is controversial which the user or administrator may consider inappropriate or offensive. The District has taken precautions to restrict access to inappropriate materials through a filtering and monitoring system. However, it is impossible on a global Internet, to control access to all data that a user may discover. It is the user’s responsibility not to initiate access to such material. Any site or material that is deemed controversial should be reported immediately to the appropriate administrator. The District expressly disclaims any obligation to discover all

violations of inappropriate Internet access.

TERMS OF USE

Only registered students of the District qualify for Internet access under this Policy.

Only authorized users who have signed the User Agreement shall have computer access. Users are ultimately responsible for all activity while using the Internet.

The school principal, and/or responsible teacher may suspend or terminate any computer user’s access for any reason whatsoever.

All Internet or computer equipment access of a student is automatically terminated at the moment of withdrawal, or expulsion of the student from the School District.

All student Internet use must have teacher/staff supervision.

PENALTIES FOR IMPROPER USE

Any user violating this Policy or applicable State and Federal Laws may be restricted from Internet use or use of any or all computers and other disciplinary measures which may include a one to ten-day suspension, expulsion and/or referral to legal authorities for criminal prosecution.

Student:

My parent or guardian has reviewed this Acceptable Use Policy with me. I understand the importance of being polite, kind, and respectful to others and treating equipment properly. I also understand that the use of the District’s computer resources is a privilege and is for educational purposes only. I further understand that if I break any of these rules, my computer privileges may be taken away and other disciplinary or legal action may be taken.

As the parent or guardian, I have read and have reviewed Policy ECD with my elementary school age child. I understand that computer and Internet access is designed for educational purposes. I understand it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial or inappropriate content and I will not hold the District or the staff responsible for materials acquired on the Internet by my child. I have discussed the importance of obeying and abiding by the rules outlined by the District. I further understand that if my child does not abide by these rules he/she may be disciplined accordingly. I accept full responsibility if and when my child is found in violation of this Acceptable Use Policy.